But I just want to drink coffee and sit quietly . . . Thoughts on Reaching the Toothbrushing Level

Yesterday, I could have done my scheduled strength training session and swim, but I didn't go.  I needed to be at the gym at 5am and I didn't want to do it.  Then life and my children, dogs, and family obligations swept me along.  Even then, at 7:30 in the evening, I could still have made it to the gym, but I didn't.  I ate a giant bowl of oatmeal and went to bed soon thereafter.  

What's wrong with me?  Or maybe that is not a helpful question.  Rather than placing blame on my character by asking what is wrong with me; I will ask, simply, why didn't I go?

Maybe you know there is a difference between motivation and discipline.  Motivation is when you want to do it.  Motivation makes life's plans flow smoothly.  Discipline is what is needed when the plans are still in place but the motivation is missing.  Discipline says, "Do it anyway."  

The voice of discipline is not too loud.  It is relatively polite.  The voice doesn't get loud until you begin to listen to it.  You have to-- as one of my yoga teachers put it-- get to the Toothbrushing Level. 

As adults, most of us don't argue with ourselves about whether or not we are going to brush our teeth.  We don't say, "Oh, I wanted to; but I didn't have time."  We just do it.  Every day.  Probably several times a day.  I want to get to the Toothbrushing Level with my 5am workouts.  Otherwise I fear I will not reach my goals; and that would be unacceptable.

It is easy to understand why early morning workouts are so popular among triathletes.  At 5am, there are fewer demands on my time.  I'm unlikely to get a call from my mother-in-law or a request from one of my children.  Without early morning workouts, I am unlikely to meet my training goals.

So even though I don't want to do anything more than drink coffee, pet the dogs, and sit quietly at this hour; and even though it will likely mean a much needed nap by 3pm; early morning workouts are coming.  A marathon, a half Ironman, and an ultramarathon require it.  Buy a new toothbrush, girl.  And Level Up.  :-)

Imaginary Me.